University of the West of England

Wearables

Urine-powered socks get transmissions flowing

A team of researchers from the Bristol BioEnergy Centre at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) have developed a pair of socks that use urine to generate electricity and power a wireless transmitter.

Researchers at the University of the West of England claim to have built a paper-based, urine-fueled emergency radio beacon device

Electronics

Recycled photocopier paper pyramids send distress signals when you pee on them

A foldable, paper-based, urine-fueled, microbial fuel cell system that powers an emergency radio beacon has been developed by researchers at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). The new prototype also promises to be non-toxic, easily made, and, above all, cheap to make.

This artificial muscle-driven heart pumps human urine and will be used to power the Ecobot IV robot (Photo: Centre for Fine Print Research and Bristol Robotics Laboratory)

Robotics

Scientists develop "heart pump" for pee-powered robots

UK researchers have created an artificial beating heart to pump human pee to power small robots. The goal is to create a self-sufficient robot that can feed on all manner of waste from its environment, even human urine, to do its job, without needing maintenance or an external battery recharge.